The story behind the story: The Hermosa Inn, Paradise Valley, Arizona

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Becoming a real cowboy is a boyhood dream and Lon Megargee, who was born in 1883, was no exception. In 1886, at the tender age of 13, when his father was killed in Cuba, he made his way to the Arizona desert to start the long path that would take him there. He spent several years working, doing chores on his uncle’s ranch, and over the course of his life, he became a successful cowboy with a passion for ranch life and a love for horses. He eventually bought land and settled down, for what he thought would be for life, but was then driven to sell everything thing he owned, due to the drought that occurred in 1909.

This is where his twists in life get interesting, so just remember that sometimes when there are what you think are setbacks, they are really just turns in your road of life! He moved to Los Angeles and enrolled in, of all things, an art class. He began sketching and soon, not only was he well known as a cowboy but now as a cowboy artist, eventually returning to Arizona in Paradise Valley, to build a studio and home that he called the Casa Hermosa.  

Casa Hermosa was bought in 1941 by another couple that turned it into Lon’s Hermosa Inn. It reflects the character of Lon and respects the landscape of the Arizona desert.  I enjoyed my stay here because Lon’s at the Hermosa has that rustic, outdoor Southwest feeling.

Lon’s Hermosa Inn: Paradise Valley, AZ

Today, Lon’s at the Hermosa, after its stunning $2 million refurbishments, is a luxury boutique hotel in the center of the hustle and bustle world in the Phoenix metropolis of Paradise Valley, which is built up against multimillion-dollar homes. Staying here now allows you to get a glimpse of what life was like in the 1930’s.  Glancing up from the gorgeous deep blue pool, you would never even dream that you are anywhere near a city, as the grounds are gorgeous.  And yet, almost not realize what the history of this place actually is.

Lon’s Hermosa Inn: Casita’s

I stayed in Deluxe Casita #108 and I could not be happier with what an amazing experience I had from the moment I checked in, with an in-room amenity awaiting for me.

Lon’s Hermosa Inn: Sculpture Collection

Right outside my casita was a cactus garden and large sculpture collection that was acquired from Figarelli Fine Art in Scottsdale, with more than 30 pieces from Lon himself, and the rest are from local artisans.

The Casita itself was a free-standing building, which can connect with an adjacent casita to create a two-bedroom suite.  It was a spacious 750 sq. feet with a fabulous king-sized bed, a separate seating area, and two chocolate brown leather chairs around a fireplace with a sunlight ceiling.

The bathroom was extra large and had a soaking tub and a spacious walk-in shower.

The first thing the next morning after spending the night, I went for a photo walk and ended up at the shimmering swimming pool along with other a few other couples that were staying the night.  The pool area had lounge chairs, towels, umbrellas, and multiple cabanas.  There was a separate jacuzzi and something I rarely see, which was wheelchair access to both the pool and the jacuzzi.

Overall, my time spent at the Hermosa Inn was a unique experience that I absolutely loved and would whole-heartedly recommend.

What: The Hermosa Inn

Where: Paradise Valley, Arizona, USA

TripAdvisor Rating: #2 in Paradise Valley, AZ

Rooms:  Features 34 hacienda-style, single-story accommodations, and casitas on more than six acres of the desert landscape.

Spa: Blue Door Spa is a full-service spa

Price Range:  $127-172 summer rates, the Deluxe Casita I stayed in runs $157 a night.

Recommended Reading for Amazing Scottsdale & Phoenix Hotels:

W SCOTTSDALE – WOW! The 2 Bedroom WOW Suite Review

Four Seasons Scottsdale – Deep in the Heart

Wine me, Dine me and Spa: Hyatt Scottsdale, AZ

The story behind the story: The Hermosa Inn, Paradise Valley, Arizona

Pour Me Some Whiskey and Lies- Jade Bar – Sanctuary’s Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa

Native American Wisdom, Sheraton Wild Horse Pass

And Things to do in Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Sedona, Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona in The Spring: Perfection

Western Destinations: Who Knew It Was Phoenix, AZ?

Chihuly: The Maestro in the Valley of the Sun, Phoenix, AZ

Going Off-Road thru Sedona, AZ with Pink Jeep Tours

Disclosure:  My stay at the inn was courtesy of  The Hermosa Inn.  The opinions expressed here are my own, as usual.

 

 

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